Method for retrieving and processing bulk harvested nuts and fruits

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for processing nuts and fruits, and more specifically, to a mobile apparatus that picks-up fruits and nuts, and similar products from the ground and conditions them, in bulk. The mobile apparatus conditions the fruits and nuts by removing debris with a combination of a belted conveyor and a high volume fan. The plenum of the apparatus is sized to achieve a constant velocity of air throughout the portions of the plenum in contact with the product, providing a constant suction to prevent the entrainment of product into the dust collection system. The processing apparatus can be utilized in a conditioner that picks-up and processes the product and then returns the cleaned and conditioned product to the floor of the orchard or grove. The processing apparatus can also be utilized in a harvester that picks-up and processes the product and then stores the product temporarily in a bin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional from U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 11/055,554, filed on Feb. 9, 2005, also claiming the benefit ofnow abandoned U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/545,349, filedFeb. 9, 2004, and incorporates these prior applications by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an apparatus for processing nuts and fruits,and more specifically, to a mobile apparatus that picks-up fruits andnuts from the ground and conditions them, in bulk. The mobile apparatusconditions the fruits and nuts by removing debris with a combination ofa belted conveyor, a high volume fan and optional equipment, such as ashaker apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, best management practices for farms, orchards and grovesrequire the use of technologies that minimize the generation of dustsand debris. Dust control measures are required in many currentregulatory efforts, implemented to reduce dust impacts to workerson-site, and to residents and citizens offsite. Conservation is also abenefit of reductions in dust generation typically associated withharvesting operations in drier climates.

Specifically, in the harvesting of nuts and fruits, these fruits andnuts are first shaken or otherwise removed from the trees, bushes orvines, as required. The modem retrieval of these nuts and fruits fromthe ground conventionally requires the use of a conveyor pick-up system.To minimize the generation of dust from these pick-up operations, theconveyors are maintained under negative air pressure. One such fan andconveyor system for ground deposited nuts, is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,001,893, which employs a large fan to draw dust and debris through aseries of open mesh conveyors to clean a bulk of an agricultural productstream retrieved from an orchard floor. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.5,373,688, teaches that the fan can be modified and improved, to betterdirect the exhausted debris away from the harvester apparatus. U.S. Pat.No. 5,421,147 shows additional improvements to the fan and conveyorsystem, which includes a debris segregating system, for separating lightfrom heavier debris, and for the improved design of the conveyor itself,to better break-up the debris picked-up into the harvester.

These prior harvesting apparatus perform well to clean dust and debrisfrom the fruits and nuts collected. However these devices generatesignificant amounts of dust or “PM” defined as particulate material.Specifically, particulate material of greatest concern to human healthare “PM10,” which are typically definded as respirable particulatematerial or dusts with an average aerosol diameter” of less than 10microns, and PM2.5, which are dusts with an average aerosol diameter ofless than 2.5 microns. With significant pressures from regulatorygovernmental agencies to drastically reduce dust generated by harvestingoperations and further to conserve top soils, a great need exists forharvesters with lower dust emission rates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front end view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear end view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectioned side view of a conditioner apparatus, according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned side view of a conditioner apparatus,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front end view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a rear end view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a partially sectioned side view of a harvester apparatus,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a top view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a partially sectioned side view of a harvester apparatus,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a conditioner apparatus, according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a front end view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a rear end view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a conditioner apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a sectioned side view of a conditioner apparatus, accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a sectioned side view of a conditioner apparatus, accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is a sectioned side view of a conditioner apparatus, accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 is a front end view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 is a rear end view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a side view of a harvester apparatus, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32 is a sectioned side view of a harvester apparatus, according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 is a detail of air flow through a portion of a harvesterapparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 34 is a sectioned side view of a harvester apparatus, according toan embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a conditioning apparatus and a similarharvest transporting apparatus, both apparatus for the retrieving andprocessing of bulk harvested crops, such as nuts, fruits and the like.The apparatus both employ recirculated air with a belted conveyor toclean the bulk harvested crop. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, and 19through 27, the conditioning apparatus, herein called a conditioner 20,picks-up the bulk harvested crop from the ground, and remove debris fromthe nuts with a partially enclosed belt conveyor system. In theconditioner, the belt conveyor system is zoned, with each zonemaintained under a balanced, negative air pressure. After processing,the conditioning apparatus deposits the bulk harvested crop in a windrowto dry, where it can then be retrieved by the harvest transportingapparatus, herein referred to as a harvester 21, as shown in FIGS. 9through 18, and 28 through 34. Like the conditioner, the harvester alsoincludes a partially enclosed belt conveyor, as discussed and describedfurther herein.

Conditioner

FIGS. 1 through 8 show the conditioner 20, with features of a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The conditioner is well suited forthe processing of almonds 22, but could be utilized in the processing ofany one of a variety of harvested crops, the harvested crop on lying ona ground surface 25, and removed from a tree. As an alternative to thealmonds, the harvested crop may be another variety of nut, such ascashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts and tungnuts. Certain fruits, such as figs and oranges, and any fruit, nut orvegetable, as conventionally known to require collection and processingfrom the ground, may be served with the present invention.

The removal of the almonds 22 from the tree is conventionally achievedby a shaker. The design and operation of the shaker is well known in thefield of nut harvesting. The almonds, in an unprocessed condition andcovering the ground surface 25. This ground covering of almonds isreferred to herein as a carpet 28. Along with the almonds, the carpetincludes debris 29. The debris is typically a collection of dirt,leaves, twigs and trash, as normally found littering the ground surfaceof any orchard, farm or grove.

To collect the carpet 28 of almonds 22 and debris 29, scattered on theground surface 25, as shown in FIG. 8, the conditioner 20 employs anuptake section 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. The uptake sectionpreferably includes a sweeper array 33, and an infeed scoop 34, as shownin FIGS. 1 and 3. The sweeper array is positioned to contact the groundsurface, immediately ahead of the infeed scoop. With the sweeper array,the conditioner 20 can accommodate the scattered carpet of almonds, andso reduce or eliminate the need for pre-sweeping or consolidating thealmonds into a row.

The conditioner 20 of the present invention is preferably modular indesign, with components mounted on a conditioner frame 35. The sweeperarray 33 extends from the conditioner frame 35. As shown in a preferredembodiment in FIG. 1, the sweeper array employs a brush armature 37mounted to the conditioner frame. Most preferably, Two brush armaturesare utilized, each raised and lowered as desired by an arm actuator 39.The arm actuator is preferably hydraulic, powered from a centralhydraulic system.

The conditioner 20 is preferably configured in a self contained and selfpowered configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, which includes thecentral hydraulic system. Alternatively, the conditioner can beconfigured as a trailer apparatus, similar in towed configuration to theembodiment of the harvester 21, shown in FIGS. 10 through 14. For thetowed configuration, a tractor 200 preferably provides the hydraulicpower for operation of the conditioner. The sweeper array 33 may bemounted to the front of the tractor, or as an alternative, to the frontof the trailer, in tow.

For the conditioner 20, each brush armature 37 receives one or more of aflat, rotary brush 45, to form the sweeper array 33. The term “flat” isused to describe the rotary brushes, in that the brushes are orientedflat to the ground surface 25, as shown in FIG. 3. Mounted in thesweeper array, the rotary brushes are also referred to herein inaggregate as “the brushes.” Most preferably each brush armature includestwo of the rotary brushes, a first brush 51, and a second brush 52, andoptionally a third brush 53, mounted along one of the brush armatures.The brushes all include a hub 54. The hub is centrally located withineach brush. The hub rotatably mounts to an angle bracket 56, which isthen mounted to the brush armature. Each of the brushes rotate in adirection of brush rotation 57, as also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

For a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brushes of thesweeper array 33 have bristles 61 that are included in a bristle set 62.The bristle set is preferably a narrow stack of conventional, off-theshelf “wafer” brush bristles. Most preferably, a polypropylene wafer setfor a standard, three foot diameter “tube broom” is utilized for thebristle set, as manufactured by Three “B” Brush Manufacturing Co., ofLubbock, Tex., U.S.A. Any rotary brush with an approximate diameter,from one to three feet or so, could be utilized in the presentinvention. The term “approximate” is used herein throughout, includingthis detailed description and the attached claims, to refer to a rangeof values, understood by a person skilled in the pertinent field orskill, as being substantially equivalent to the herein stated values inachieving the desired results, in a range typical to the selection,accuracy, or precision of conventional tooling, or other manufacturingtechniques.

The orientation of the bristles 61 in the wafered bristle set 62performs well with the sweeper array 33, and far better thanconventional “gutter broom” brush bristle sets. Conventional paddles,gutter broom brushes and tube brooms all fail to efficiently sweep thecarpet 28, including the almonds 22 and debris 29, to the infeed scoop34, while generating a minimum of particulate.

For the bristle set 62, any type or configuration of bristle material,with a structure of the bristles 61 that is substantially “radial” inform, is most preferred. By “radial,” the bristles emanate from the hub54, and are directed radially from the hub. Any such radial brush designshould perform nominally well for use with the rotary brush array 33 ofthe conditioner 20. The bristles may be plastic, metal, or a combinationof conventional bristle materials. The bristles of any of the flat,rotary brushes 45 may be pre-manufactured for use with conventionalsweepers, or custom built for the specific use with the presentinvention. The use of the wafer type of brush as the preferred bristleset, with its bristles directed radially from hub, provides superiormaterial pickup and sweeping characteristics.

Preferably, two of the brush armatures 37 are used, with each brusharmature receiving a minimum of two of the flat, rotary brushes 45. Mostpreferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotary brush array 36includes a first brush armature 63 and a second brush armature 64, eachincluding one or more of the flat rotary brushes. The first brusharmature includes the first brush 51 and the second armature includesthe second brush 52. Additional flat rotary brushes may be placed oneither of the armatures. As most preferred, the second brush armaturecan include a third brush 63. Alternatively, the armatures can includeseveral additional brushes, as suited to the needs of the particular rowspacings and width of carpet 28. For a preferred embodiment of theconditioner of the present invention, the brush armature receives eachof the plurality of rotary brushes, with each of the plurality of rotarybrushes attached to the brush armature by an angle bracket 66.

Additionally, the first brush armature 63 and the second brush armature64 are preferably pivotable and swingable. These actions provides theconditioner 20 with the ability to address the carpet 28 in a wideswath, rather than a consolidated windrow of material. In conventionalnut conditioning devices, a separate sweeping operation must take placeprior to the pick up of any material by a conditioner. With each of theflat, rotary brushes of the rotary brush array, attached to theirrespective hubs 54, and rotatably mounted to their respective anglebrackets 66, the brushes rotate in their direction of rotation 36, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The rotation of the brushes is selected to bringthe almonds 22 toward the infeed scoop 34 of the conditioner 20, aheadof the brush array.

Most preferably, the plane of rotation 63 is “skewed” for eachsuccessive, neighboring brush, so that the brushes 45 appear to overlapin a plan view, as shown in FIG. 5, but are most preferably separatefrom each other by a “clearance offset” in the plane of rotation, asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This skewed orientation of the brusheseliminates a “dead space” or gap, between the brushes, and so preventsany swept material from gathering between the brushes.

The rotation of the brushes 45 is also preferably accomplished byhydraulics. Hydraulic motors are most preferably included within eachangle bracket 56 on each brush armature 37. The general configurationand operation of these hydraulic motors and controls are of aconventional design. These conventional controls are known to thoseskilled in hydraulic actuation and controls. The preferred hydraulicsystem of control for use with the present invention is powered by acentral hydraulic pump powered by the engine of the conditioner 20. Theengine of the conditioner is preferably gas, diesel or propane powered.Alternatively, the central hydraulic pump could run by a“power-take-off,” as is well known in persons skilled in farming andorchard equipment.

In a preferred embodiment of the conditioner 20, the infeed scoop 34 canalso include a pair of infeed wheels 76, to maintain and track theinfeed scoop with the ground surface 25. The infeed scoop gathers thecarpet 28 of almonds and debris 29, as consolidated by the sweeper array33, for feeding an uptake conveyor 78. The uptake conveyor extends fromthe conditioner frame 35 and terminates with the infeed scoop. Theconsolidated carpet of almonds and debris, when gathered into the infeedscoop and picked up by the uptake conveyor, can now be referred to as anunprocessed stream 80.

Preferably, the infeed scoop 34 and uptake conveyer 78 can be raised orlowered by action of an infeed actuator 82. The infeed actuator, asshown in FIG. 3 can alternatively raise or lower the infeed scoop andattached uptake conveyor. The raised position is desirable for quicktravel, and adjustment to the lowered position needed for best trackingalong the ground surface 25.

The uptake conveyor 38 transfers the unprocessed stream up and furtherinto the conditioner The uptake conveyor preferably includes an uptakebelt 84, which is equipped with uptake flights 86, as shown in FIG. 7.The uptake flights are parallel slats of metal and preferably rubber,that serve to prevent the unprocessed stream 80 from falling, backtoward the infeed scoop 34 and the ground surface 25. The uptake belt ispreferably an open, metal mesh, sized to retain the almonds 22 on theuptake belt. The uptake belt is also sized and configured to providestrength, while allowing air to flow up through it, and allow debris 29to drop down out of it. The uptake conveyer is covered by an uptakecover 88, which forms an uptake plenum 90 over the uptake belt.

As shown in FIG. 8, an uptake air return duct 91 connects to the uptakeplenum 90, to pull an uptake suction airstream 93, in through the infeedscoop 34, across the uptake belt 84, and within the uptake plenum. Theuptake air return connects to the uptake cover of the uptake plenum atan uptake inlet 94, for pulling the uptake suction airstream from theuptake plenum. A multiple of uptake inlets are preferably employed asshown in FIGS. 1 through 8, to provide for evenly distributed flowacross the uptake plenum.

The uptake plenum 90 is much smaller than the plenums of prior nutcollecting devices. The relatively small uptake plenum provides for acontrolled and high velocity airstream 92 directed through the uptakeplenum. The uptake suction airstream 93 is substantially homogenousthroughout the uptake plenum, and a strong suction is attained with aminimum of total air flow. This provides for an operational economy byreducing the requisite fan size, and by reducing the air filtrationnecessary to remove the debris 29, entrained in the uptake suctionairstream.

The uptake suction airstream 93 is pulled from the uptake plenum 90 androuted to a conditioner fan 95, powered by a conditioner fan motor 96.The conditioner fan is preferably a conventional centrifugal fan, sizedto serve the air movement need of the present invention. For a preferredembodiment of the conditioner 20, a fan with a centrifugal, backwardinclined blade type of fan blower, rated to deliver an approximate airflow of 4,500 CFM, at 1 inch static pressure, when driven with a 25 to30 BHP motor, is well suited for the present invention. However, anyfan, suited to industrial use with the desired performancecharacteristics, could be utilized. The conditioner fan motor is mostpreferably hydraulic, powered from a central hydraulic pump 99, todeliver approximately 25 HP. The central hydraulic pump can be placed onthe conditioner frame 35 to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid foractuating all powered elements of the conditioner, including the drive,steering, motors, and the sweeper array 33.

As is conventional, the conditioner fan 95 has a conditioner fan supply101 and a conditioner fan return 102. The uptake air return duct 91connects the uptake plenum 90 to the conditioner fan return. As shown inFIG. 4, the conditioner fan return has a plurality of conditioner fanreturn ducts 103 attached to it. Most of the plurality of conditionerfan return ducts connect to a separation section 105 of the conditioner20. The separation section includes a separation conveyor 108 thatreceives the processed material stream 80 from the uptake belt 84 of theuptake conveyor 78. The separation conveyor preferably includes aseparation belt 114, which is equipped with separation flights 116, asshown in FIG. 8. Similar to the uptake flights 86, the separationflights are parallel slats of metal and preferably rubber, that serve tomove the unprocessed stream along the separation conveyor.

The separation conveyor 108 is substantially horizontal, with a slightupward tilt from the uptake conveyor 78. In contrast, the uptakeconveyor has a significant tilt of approximately 30 to 45 degrees upwardfrom horizontal. Therefore, the separation flights 116 of the separationconveyor need only to be in the range of approximately 1 to 3 inches inheight, while the uptake flights function best at approximately 4 to 6inches in height. Like the uptake belt, the separation belt ispreferably an open, metal mesh, sized to retain the almonds 22 on theseparation belt. Like the uptake belt 84, the separation belt is alsosized and configured to provide strength, while allowing air to flow upthrough it, and allow debris 29 to drop down out of it.

As shown in FIG. 7, separation section 105 includes a separation cover118 over the separation conveyer 108. This covering forms a separationplenum 120 over the separation belt 114. Like the uptake plenum 90, theseparation plenum is most preferably maintained under negative airpressure during operation of the conditioner 20. A separation air returnduct 121 connects to the separation plenum 120, to pull a separationsuction airstream 123 across the separation belt 114 and through theseparation plenum. The separation air return duct connects to theseparation cover of the separation plenum at a separation outlet 124,for pulling the separation suction airstream from the separation plenum.A multiple of separation outlets are preferably employed as shown inFIG. 7, to provide for evenly distributed flow across the separationplenum.

Like the uptake plenum 90, the separation plenum 120 is much smallerthan the plenums of prior nut collecting devices. The relatively smallseparation plenum provides for the controlled and high velocityairstream 92 directed through the separation plenum. With the separationplenum having a uniform cross-section along its entire length, theseparation suction airstream 123 is substantially homogenous andconstant throughout the separation plenum. A strong and consistentsuction is attained throughout the separation plenum with a minimum oftotal air flow. Again, this provides for an operational economy byreducing the requisite size and power of the conditioner fan 95, and byreducing the air filtration necessary to remove the debris 29, from theseparation section 105 of the conditioner 20, especially the dusts andleaves that were removed from the processed stream 80 and entrained bythe separation suction airstream.

As shown in FIG. 8, some of the debris 29, especially gravel andgranules of dirt, drops through the belts of the conveyors, either theuptake belt 84, or the separation belt 114, creating a fallout 125. Thisparticulate fraction of the debris, termed “fallout,” relieves the needto pull additional suction, required to lift heavier materials from thedebris, if this heavier fallout material was retained on instead ofallowed to pass through the respective belts.

The separation suction airstream 123 is pulled from the separationplenum 120 and routed to the conditioner fan return 102. Mostpreferably, as discussed above, the plurality of conditioner fan returnducts 105 are employed to collect the debris 29 under suction. As shownin FIG. 7, six of the separation air return ducts are utilized, eachrouted from the separation outlet 124 in the separation cover 118, tothe conditioner fan return.

The conditioner fan 95 generates a supply air stream 126, which isdistributed from a supply air duct 127 connected to the conditioner fansupply 101. As preferred, the supply air duct can be a multiple ofsupply air ducts, each routed to a conditioner pollution control device130. Most preferably, for the conditioner 20 of the present invention,the conditioner pollution control device is a settling chamber, as shownin FIGS. 4 and 6. The settling chamber includes a chamber inlet 131, asupply air outlet 132, and a dropout 133. As an alternative, anypollution control device known to those skilled in the removal ofparticulate from the airstream 92 could be employed. The settlingchamber is most preferably of a conventional, single chamber design, butcould include baffles, cyclones, filters or any such mechanisms forentraining, knocking out, or settling out debris 29 carried by thesupply air stream into the conditioner pollution control device. Theparticulate debris that settles out of the conditioner pollution controldevice, exits from the dropout as a dropout material 134.

A cleaned supply airstream 136 exits through a cleaned supply air duct137. The cleaned supply air duct connects to the supply air outlet 132of the conditioner air pollution control device 130. Instead ofdischarging this cleaned airstream to the atmosphere, as typical ofprior devices, the cleaned airstream is re-used by the conditioner 20.Again, in a preferred embodiment of the conditioner, two cleaned supplyair ducts are utilized, one routed from each of two settling chambers,acting as the conditioner air pollution control devices.

From the separation conveyor 108, the processed material stream 80 isfed to a walker assembly 138. At this pont in the conditioner 20,lighter dust and particulate materials have been removed from theprocessed material stream either as the dropout material 134 from theconditioner pollution control device 130, or as the as the fallout 125that passes through the mesh of the separation belt 114. The only debris29 processed material stream that remains is the almonds 22, and a largedebris 139, such as sticks and twigs. In the walker assembly, the sticksand twigs are retained, while the almonds fall through to a nut hopper140, positioned below the walker assembly, as shown in FIG. 8.

The remaining large debris 139, retained in the walker assembly 138, isdumped into a trash bin 145. As shown in FIG. 8, the walker assemblyincludes a walker infeed end 146, that receives the processed materialstream 80, and a walker discharge end 147, that dumps the large debrisinto the trash bin. The trash bin is located to the rear of theconditioner 20, and is preferably a rotatable drum 148. The trash bincan be emptied by rotating the drum with a pair of drum actuators 149.The drum actuators, are preferably hydraulic, and conventionallyoperable with the central hydraulic system.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the nut hopper 140 includes a nut outlet 151at the bottom of the nut hopper, proximate to the ground surface 25. Ina preferred embodiment of the conditioner 20, a discharge skirt 152 isalso included at the nut outlet to direct the almonds 22 as they leavethe nut hopper.

The almonds 22 dumped out of the nut hopper 140, form a windrow 155 onthe ground surface. The windrow is preferably placed between the rows oftrees, most preferably in the middle. This location in the middle,between the tree rows, receives the most sunlight, and is typically dryand slightly humped for the best drainage. The windrow of depositedalmonds is free from debris 29 and is formed to best provide for dryingthe almonds in a short term, typically for one to two weeks.

To additionally aid flow of the almonds 22 out of the nut hopper 140,the nut hopper is preferably equipped with a hopper supply air inlet158. The hopper supply inlet preferably connects to the nut hopperproximate to the nut outlet 151, near the bottom of the nut hopper. Anut hopper grille 144 can be placed over the hopper supply inlet toprevent almonds from backing-up and entering the hopper supply airinlet. The hopper supply air inlet is connected to the cleaned supplyair duct 137, and so receives the cleaned supply airstream 136 from theconditioner air pollution control device 130. The cleaned supplyairstream serves to “fluidize” the almonds as they are discharged fromthe nut hopper. This fluidization prevents the almonds from packingtogether and blocking the nut outlet. With the forced airflow, thealmonds gain buoyancy and flow out of the nut hopper.

As discussed above, the cleaned supply airstream 136 is recirculatedair, removed from the uptake section 30 and the separation section 105.By injecting the cleaned supply airstream into the nut hopper, positiveair pressure is maintained within the nut hopper. This positive airpressure within the nut hopper prevents debris 29 from entering theconditioner through the nut outlet 151.

Additionally, the cleaned supply airstream 136 feeds the separationsuction airstream 123 of the separation section 105. This recycledcircuit of air regenerates airflow within the conditioner 20. Much ofthe air required by the separation section to form the separationsuction airstream 123 can be supplied by the cleaned supply airstream,and so greatly reduces any intake of outside air by the separationsection. The majority of outside air introduced into the conditioner ispulled through the infeed scoop 34 of the uptake section 30. This airflow pattern is highly advantageous. In picking up the almonds 22 fromthe ground surface 25 the sweeper array 33 generates significant amountsof airborne debris 29 at the front of the conditioner. As shown in FIG.8, the uptake suction airstream 93 is heavy with the debris laden airdrawn from the infeed scoop. This debris can only be removed from theair, if the debris laden air is drawn into the conditioner. With most ofthe air drawn into the conditioner pulled from the infeed scoop, the aircleaning efficiency of the conveyor is maximized. To the rear of theconditioner, in the nut bin and the separation section, the recirculatedand cleaned supply airstream pressurizes these rearward portions of theconditioner, maintaining them substantially free from additional outsidedebris. After separation occurs, the air stream 92 flows into theconditioner air pollution control device 130, which is preferably thelow pressure settling chamber, where velocity drops. Only about 20% ofthe low velocity air stream is discharged with the foreign material. Bypreventing the constant exhaust of high velocity air and dust, socommonly associated with nut harvesting, we greatly reduce potential“PM10,” “PM2.5,” or otherwise defined respirable particulatecontributions to the atmosphere.

Alternative Conditioner

FIGS. 19 through 27 show a preferred alternative configuration of theconditioner 20. This alternative embodiment of the conditioner is also amobile apparatus that cleans and conditions a harvested produce, such asalmonds 22. The alternative conditioner also includes an uptake section30 that collects the almonds, which after removal from the tree lay onthe ground surface 25, in a carpet 28 or “scattered covering.” Thescattered covering includes the harvested produce almonds, andadditionally includes debris 29, which must be separated from thealmonds in harvesting processes.

The uptake section 30 includes the infeed scoop 34 and uptake conveyor78, with the infeed scoop in close proximity to the ground surface 25,as shown in FIG. 27. Preferably, the pair of infeed wheels 76 areemployed to maintain the infeed scoop in position, following the contourof the ground surface, to gather the scattered covering 28 of almonds 22and associated debris 29 into the uptake conveyor. The uptake conveyorlifts and then deposits the scattered covering onto the separationconveyor 108 of the separation section 105.

As shown in FIG. 26, the separation conveyor 108 of the alternativeembodiment of the conditioner 20, also includes the separation belt 114.Preferably, the separation belt is comprised of a meshed material 165 or“mesh.” The mesh of the separation belt is preferably comprised of open,interlocking metal links, with the internal openings sized to retain thealmonds 22 on the separation belt. Additionally, the mesh of theseparation belt allows the airstream 92 to flow through, while allowingthe debris to drop through the mesh of the separation belt. The product,which is almonds in this preferred embodiment, is retained on theseparation belt and dropped into the nut hopper 140. Additionally, inthis preferred embodiment, the nut hopper collects and funnels theproduct to the nut outlet 151, which dumps the product into the windrow155, returning the almonds to the ground surface 25, behind theconditioner.

The separation conveyor 108 is enclosed within a separation plenum 120,as also shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The separation plenum gathers orcollects the debris 29 dropped from the separation belt 114. Theseparation plenum acts as the pollution control device 130, which inthis preferred alternative embodiment is a settling chamber 168, in thatthe velocity of the airstream 92 slows in the separation plenum,relative to the higher velocity of the airstream across or through theseparation belt of the separation conveyor. This slowing of air streamvelocity causes finer particulate, which is a “dust and fines” 169,entrained in the higher velocity airstream, to settle out of theairstream and collect within the separation plenum. The dust and finescollect into the dropout 133, near the bottom of the separation plenum,which acts as a hopper for the collection of the dusts and fines. Thedropout provides an outlet for the removal of the dusts and fines thatsettle out of the separation plenum.

As shown in FIG. 25, a rotary valve 172 is preferably employed to induceand meter the flow of the dust and fines 169 from the dropout 133 ofsettling chamber, at the bottom of the separation plenum 120. The rotaryvalve also acts as an airlock to prevent the introduction of air intothe separation plenum. The rotary valve is a standard mechanism,typically utilized for the controlled and substantially airtightwithdrawal of a fine material from hoppers or similar containers. Adebris conveyor 174 is then employed to transport the dust and finesaway from the conditioner 20, as detailed in FIG. 27. The debrisconveyor preferably deposits the dust and fines outside the track of theconditioner, and well separated from the windrow 155 of almonds 22,which is deposited to the rear of the conditioner. The debris conveyoris preferably an endless belted conveyor, as shown. However, any similaracting conveyance, such as an enclosed gathering screw or augermechanism could be employed as an alternative.

For the generation of the airstream 92 within the conditioner 20, aconditioner fan 95 is used. Preferably, the conditioner fan is astandard, industrial quality, high volume blower. The blower ispreferably selected to generate sufficient air flow to dislodge the dustand fines 169 from the separation conveyor 108, and to maintain areasonably high static pressure within the separation plenum 120. Theoptimum fan size and power would be readily selectable by a personskilled in fan and fan motor selection. A most preferred conditioner fanfor this embodiment is a model “911,” with a 19.13 inch diameterindustrial radial blade fan (paddle wheel), which generatesapproximately 4,657 CFM, at 5 inches w.g. of static, 2500 RPM and 14BHP, as manufactured by Twin City Fan & Blower Co. of Minneapolis,Minn., U.S.A.

The conditioner fan 95 or simply the “fan” is preferably positioned asshown in FIGS. 25 through 27, and includes a “supply side,” referred toherein as the conditioner fan supply 101, and a “suction side,” referredto herein as the conditioner fan return 102. The separation air returnduct 121 connects to the separation plenum 120 at the separation outlet124, which is preferably located on the sidewall of the separationplenum, as shown in FIGS. 25 through 27. The separation air return ductrouts from the separation outlet to the suction side of the fan, at theconditioner fan return. The separation air return duct pulls theseparation suction airstream 123 from the separation plenum, as shown inFIG. 26.

Additionally, for this preferred alternative embodiment, the supply airduct 127 routes the supply airstream 126 generated from the conditionerfan 95, to the separation plenum 120. The supply air duct connects theconditioner fan supply 101 to the separation plenum at the separationinlet, which is also referred to herein as the “hopper supply air inlet”158. The separation air supply routs from the conditioner fan supply 101to the separation plenum.

Preferably, from the separation conveyor 108, the processed materialstream 80 is fed to the walker assembly 138. At this pont in theconditioner 20, lighter dust and particulate materials have been removedfrom the processed material stream either as the dropout material 134from the conditioner pollution control device 130, or as the as thefallout 125 that passes through the mesh of the separation belt 114. Theonly debris 29 processed material stream that remains is the almonds 22,and a large debris 139, such as sticks and twigs. In the walkerassembly, the sticks and twigs are retained, while the almonds fallthrough to the nut hopper 140, positioned below the walker assembly, asshown in FIG. 27.

The remaining large debris 139, retained in the walker assembly 138, isdumped into the trash bin 145. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the walkerassembly includes the walker infeed end 146, that receives the processedmaterial stream 80, and a walker discharge end 147, that dumps the largedebris into the trash bin. The trash bin is removable and can be easilyemptied and replaced when full.

A cleaned product 178, discharges from the separation plenum 120, asshown in FIG. 26 and 27. For this alternative preferred embodiment ofthe invention, this cleaned product is the almonds 22, with the debris29 removed. The separation plenum includes a nut outlet 151, which is achute for funneling the cleaned product to the ground surface 25 in acontinuous stream to form the windrow 155. Windrow formation is thepreferred processing technique for tree nuts, such as almonds. Thewindrow of almonds are left to dry in the windrow for a short period oftime, after which the windrow is retrieved and the almonds are husked,shelled, and packed or shipped.

Harvester

A preferred embodiment of the harvester 21 is detailed in FIGS. 9through 15. One alternative preferred embodiment of the harvester isshown in FIGS. 16 through 18, and another preferred embodiment of theharvester is shown in FIGS. 28 through 34. Generally, the harvester isconfigured to follow the initial processing by the conditioner 20.

As described above, the operation of the conditioner 20 results in theproduction of the windrow 155 of almonds 22, mounded on the groundsurface 25 as shown in FIG. 15. After the windrow of almonds is properlydried and ready for retrieval, the harvester 21 is employed to collectthe windrow. To accomplish this task, he harvester 21 employs a windrowuptake section 260, as shown in FIG. 10. The windrow uptake section issimilar to the uptake section 30 of the conditioner 20, and includes awindrow infeed scoop 263. Like the conditioner apparatus, the harvesterapparatus of the present invention is preferably modular in design, withcomponents mounted on a harvester frame 265.

By contrast to the harvester 21, the uptake section 30 of theconditioner 20 additionally included the sweeper array 33, which is notrequired in the harvester. The windrow uptake section 260 of theharvester need only address the consolidated windrow 155, rather thanthe carpet 28 of almonds, and so does not require the sweepingmechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the harvester 21, the windrow scoop 263 canalso include a pair of windrow wheels 267, to maintain and track thewindrow scoop with the ground surface 25. The windrow scoop gathers thewindrow 155, as processed and consolidated by the conditioner 20, forfeeding into a harvesting conveyor 268. The harvesting conveyor extendsfrom the harvester frame 265 and terminates with the windrow scoop. Theconsolidated windrow and debris 29, when gathered into the windrow scoopand picked up by the harvesting conveyor, can now be referred to as aharvested material stream 270.

Preferably, the windrow scoop 263 and the attached harvesting conveyer268 can be raised or lowered by action of a harvester conveyor actuator272. The harvester conveyor actuator, as shown in FIG. 9 canalternatively raise or lower the windrow scoop and attached harvestingconveyor. The raised position is desirable for quick travel, andadjustment to the lowered position needed for best tracking along theground surface 25.

Because, the windrow 155 of almonds 22 typically includes some debris 29that has gathered during the windrow's drying period, or naturallysurrounds the windrow on the orchard floor or ground surface 25, theharvester 21 of the present invention includes a harvester fan 275 toremove the debris from the harvested material stream 270.

The harvesting conveyer 268 transfers the harvested material stream 270,up and into the harvester 21. The harvesting conveyor preferablyincludes a conveyor belt 278, which is equipped with conveyor flights279, as shown in FIG. 15. The conveyor flights, like the uptake flights86 on the uptake belt 84 in the conditioner 20, most preferably, areparallel slats of metal, in combination with rubber. The uptake flightsserve to prevent the harvested material stream from falling, back towardthe windrow scoop 263 and the ground surface 25. The conveyor belt ispreferably an open, metal mesh, sized to retain the almonds 22 on theconveyor belt. The conveyor belt is also sized and configured to providestrength, while allowing air to flow up through it, and allow debris 29to drop down out of it. The harvesting conveyer is covered by a conveyorcover 281, which forms a conveyor plenum 282 over the conveyor belt.

As shown in FIG. 15, a suction duct 291 connects to the conveyor plenum282, to pull a suction airstream 293, up through the windrow scoop 263,across the conveyor belt 278, and through the conveyor plenum. Thesuction duct connects to the conveyor cover 281 of the conveyor plenumat a suction outlet 294. The harvester fan 275 pulls the suctionairstream from the conveyor plenum through the suction outlet. Acentrally located, singular suction outlet is preferably employed asshown in FIG. 15, to provide for evenly distributed flow across theconveyor plenum.

As shown in FIG. 15, a breaker blade 298 is preferably employed withinthe suction duct 291. The breaker blade is most preferably aconventional rotary type of blade, affixed to the harvester fan 275. Thebreaker blade serves to break-up any large debris 139 that is picked upwith the windrow in the harvested stream, such as twigs, sticks andsmall branches.

As with the uptake plenum 90 and the separation plenum 120 of theconditioner 20, the conveyor plenum 282 of the harvester 21 is muchsmaller than the plenums of prior nut collecting devices. The relativelysmall conveyor plenum provides for a controlled and high velocityairstream directed through the conveyor plenum. The suction airstream293 is substantially homogenous throughout the conveyor plenum, and astrong suction is attained with a minimum of total air flow. Again, thisprovides for an operational economy by reducing the requisite fan sizeand by reducing the air filtration necessary to remove the debris 29,entrained in the suction airstream.

The suction airstream 293 is pulled from the conveyor plenum 282 androuted to the harvester fan 275, powered by a harvester fan motor 296.Like the conditioner fan 95, the harvester fan is preferably aconventional centrifugal fan, sized to serve the air movement need ofthe present invention. For a preferred embodiment of the harvester 21,as shown in FIG. 15, a harvester fan with a centrifugal, backwardinclined blade type of fan blower, rated to deliver an approximate airflow of 2,000 CFM, at 1 inch static pressure, when driven with a 15 to20 BHP motor, is well suited for the present invention. However, anyfan, suited to industrial use with the desired performancecharacteristics, could be utilized. The harvester fan motor is mostpreferably hydraulic, to deliver approximately 15 HP.

A central hydraulic pump can be placed on the harvester frame 265 tosupply high pressure hydraulic fluid for actuating all powered elementsof the harvester 21. The harvester can be configured as a towed trailer,with a hitch 299, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The hitch attaches to thetractor 200, as shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, the harvester can beconfigured as a self-propelled apparatus, similar in drive and controlconfiguration to the embodiment of the conditioner 20 shown in FIGS. 1through 6.

The harvester fan 275 has a harvester fan supply 201 and a harvester fanreturn 202. The uptake air return duct 91 connects the uptake plenum 90to the return of the fan. As shown in FIG. 10, the fan return ductconnects to the windrow uptake section 260 of the harvester 21.

Within the harvester 21, the suction airstream 293 is pulled from theconveyor plenum 282 and routed to the harvester fan return 202. Mostpreferably, as discussed above, the suction duct 291 is employed tocollect the debris 29 under suction, through the suction outlet 294 ofthe conveyor plenum. Alternatively, as in the conditioner 20, a multipleof suction inlets could be used, each connected to different portions ofthe conveyor cover 281, or more generally to service any portion of theconveyor plenum.

The harvester fan 275 generates a conveyor supply air stream 206,through a conveyor supply air duct 207. The conveyor supply air ductconnects to the harvester fan supply 201. The conveyor supply air ductcan be a multiple of supply air ducts, a single conveyor supply airduct, or preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, a single conveyor supply airduct that branches with a conventional Y-duct, with each branch or “leg”of the duct routed to a harvester pollution control device 310.

Most preferably, for the harvester 21 of the present invention, theharvester pollution control device 310 is a cyclone, as shown in FIG. 9.The cyclone includes a cyclone inlet 312, a harvester supply air outlet313, and a harvester dropout 314. The cyclone is of conventional design,and can include baffles, mini-cyclones, filters or any such mechanismsfor entraining, knocking out, or settling out debris 29 carried by thesupply air stream into the harvester pollution control device. Similarin function to the conditioner air pollution control device 130, theparticulate debris that settles out of the harvester pollution controldevice, exits from the dropout as harvester dropout 314. Alternatively,the cyclone could be any air pollution control device known thoseskilled in the field of particulate removal from an airstream. Typicalselections of an air pollution control device include media filters,electrostatic filters, baffles, settling chambers, or any suchmechanisms for entraining, knocking out, or settling out the debriscarried by the conveyor fan supply air stream 206 into the harvesterpollution control device.

A cleaned conveyor supply airstream 316 exits through a cleaned conveyorsupply air duct 317. The cleaned conveyor supply airstream isdistributed into the windrow uptake section 260 of the harvester 21.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the cleaned conveyor supply air ductconnects the harvester supply air outlet 313 of the harvester airpollution control device 310 to the conveyor cover 281. It is observedthat instead of discharging the cleaned airstream to the atmosphere, astypical of prior devices, the cleaned conveyor airstream is re-used bythe harvester. Again, in a preferred embodiment of the conditioner, twocleaned conveyor supply air ducts are utilized, one routed from each ofthe two cyclone air pollution control devices.

From the harvesting conveyor 268, the harvested material stream 270 isfed to a transport bin 320. At this pont in the harvester 21, lighterportion of fractions of the debris 29, such as leaves, branches, trash,and some dust and particulate materials have been removed from theharvested material stream by the action of the windrow uptake section260 and the suction airstream 293. Additionally, the dust and fines 169,which tend to be the finer and less aerodynamic fraction of the debris,fall through the mesh of the conveyor belt 278, as harvester fallout311. In the transport bin, the almonds 22 are retained, preferably untilthe transport bin is full and ready to be emptied.

As shown in FIG. 15, the transport bin 320 preferably includes a loadoutconveyor 321. The loadout conveyor has a loadout feed end 323 within thetransport bin and a loadout discharge end 324 located outside thetransport bin. The loadout conveyor is preferably a conventional,endless belt type of conveyor that removes the almonds 22 from thebottom of transport bin to the discharge end, which is preferablylocated proximate to the rear of the harvester 21. A loadout auger 328aids in the discharge of the almonds from the transport bin. In a mostpreferred embodiment of the harvester, a pair of the loadout augers areemployed to move the almonds onto the loadout conveyor to remove thealmonds from within the transport bin.

First Alternative Harvester

In an alternative preferred alternative embodiment of the harvester 21,as shown in FIGS. 16 through 18, the transport bin 320 of the harvestermay include a shaker conveyor 330. The shaker conveyor receives theharvested material stream 270 from the harvesting conveyor 268. Althoughlighter dust and materials, such as branches, twigs and trash have beenremoved from the harvested material stream, there may still be heavierdebris 29 present in the material stream, such as gravel and dirt. Theshaker conveyer includes a shaker feed end 331 that slopes up to ashaker discharge end 333. The harvested material stream falls from theharvesting conveyor 268 onto the shaker conveyor at the shaker feed end.

The shaker conveyor 330 has features of a conventional shaker table andmaterial moving features of a conveyor belt. The shaker conveyorincludes a shaker belt 336, with shaker flights 337. The shaker beltreceives the harvested material stream 270 on a upper shaker beltportion 338, at the shaker feed end 331. The upper belt travels towardthe shaker discharge end and then returns below as a lower shaker beltportion 339, back to the shaker feed end. The shaker belt is preferablya wide mesh that is sized to retain the almonds 22 but allow debris 29to pass through it. The shaker conveyor also includes a debris tray 342that directs any debris falling through the shaker belt, down the lengthof the shaker conveyor, discharging the debris, which is a harvesterfallout 311, at the shaker infeed end and onto the ground surface 25, asshown in FIG. 18.

A shaker motor 344 provides the shaking or vibrating action to theshaker conveyor 330. This shaker motor is preferably hydraulic powered,and of a conventional design. The shaker conveyor is isolated, as istypical, to vibrate independently from surrounding structure, such asthe transport bin 320 or the rest of the harvester 21.

As also shown in FIG. 18, the almonds 22 are retained on the shaker belt336 up to the shaker discharge end 333. The almonds are then depositedinto the transport bin 320. The shaker flights 337 on the lower shakerbelt portion serve to level the almonds within the transport bin andpush the almonds back toward the shaker feed end 331.

The shaker conveyor 330 is preferably substituted for the loadout auger328, as shown in FIGS. 16 through 18, but could conceivably be utilizedin addition to the loadout auger The almonds 22 are preferably retainedwithin the transport bin 320 of the harvester 21 until the transport binis full and ready to be emptied by action of the loadout conveyor 321.

As discussed above, the cleaned conveyor supply airstream 316 isrecirculated air, removed from the windrow uptake section 260 of theharvester 21. By injecting the cleaned conveyor supply airstream intothe conveyor plenum 282, positive air pressure is maintained within theconveyor plenum 282. This positive air pressure within the conveyorplenum greatly reduces intake of outside air by the windrow uptakesection, and so prevents unwanted debris 29 from entering the harvesterthrough the windrow scoop 263. The outfeed section includes an outfeedconveyor 318 that receives the processed material stream 80 from theuptake belt 84 of the uptake conveyor 78.

Second Alternative Harvester

As shown in FIGS. 28 through 34, the harvester 21 configured accordingto the present invention can include a simplified air flow system andstill incorporate aspects of the invention, as herein claimed. Thisalternative embodiment of the harvester is also a mobile apparatus,preferably towed behind a tractor 200, or some similar vehicle, as shownin FIG. 23. This alternative harvester also cleans and collects awindrow 155 of harvested produce, such as almonds 22, as shown in FIG.34. This alternative harvester embodiment includes an windrow uptakesection 260 that collects the almonds, which after initial processing,preferably by the conditioner 20 of the present invention, lay on theground surface 25 in the form of the windrow, as discussed above. Thewindrow includes the harvested produce almonds and debris 29. Thisdebris may have been deposited on the windrow after the windrow wasformed, and must be separated from the almonds in this final windrowretrieval of the almond harvest.

The windrow uptake section 260 includes the windrow scoop 263 and theharvesting conveyor 268, with the windrow scoop in close proximity tothe ground surface 25, as shown in FIG. 34. Preferably, the pair ofwindrow wheels 267 are employed to maintain the infeed scoop along theground surface, to gather the scattered windrow, of almonds 22 andassociated debris 29, into the harvesting conveyor. The harvestingconveyor lifts and then deposits the windrow onto the shaker conveyor330 of the separation section 105, which is preferably similar to theseparation section of the conditioner 20 when utilized in the harvester21.

In this alternative preferred alternative embodiment of the harvester21, again as shown in FIGS. 28 through 32 and 34, the separation section105 of the harvester preferably includes the transport bin 320, and alsopreferably includes the shaker conveyor 330 as an alternative embodimentof the separation conveyor 108. The shaker conveyor receives theharvested material stream 270 from the harvesting conveyor 268. Althoughthe conditioner 20 initially processed the scattered covering or carpet28 of almonds 22, the windrow 155 deposited by the conditioner willstill include debris 29, such as lighter dust and fines 169, which areparticulate materials that must be removed efficiently, with a minimumof release outside to the atmosphere external to the separation section.

The shaker conveyer 330, mounted over the transport bin 320 of theharvester 21, as shown in FIG. 32, is enclosed in the shaker plenum 345.The shaker conveyor includes a shaker feed end 331 that slopes up to ashaker discharge end 333. The harvested material stream falls from theharvesting conveyor 268 onto the shaker conveyor at the shaker feed end.To aid in forming the shaker plenum about the shaker conveyor, theshaker conveyer is preferably capped by a shaker cover 346, as shown inFIGS. 32 and 34.

The shaker conveyor 330 also has both the material separation featuresof a conventional shaker table and material moving features of aconventional conveyor belt. The shaker conveyor includes a shaker belt336. The shaker belt receives the harvested material stream 270 on aupper shaker belt portion 338, at the shaker feed end 331. The upperbelt travels toward the shaker discharge end and then returns below as alower shaker belt portion 339, back to the shaker feed end. The shakerbelt is preferably a wide mesh that is sized to retain the almonds 22,but allow debris 29 to pass through it. The shaker conveyor alsoincludes the debris tray 342, which directs any debris falling throughthe shaker belt, down the length of the shaker conveyor, discharging thedebris at the shaker infeed end and onto the ground surface 25, as shownin FIG. 34. Preferably, for this embodiment of the present invention, apair of debris trays can be utilized, one positioned between the shakerbelts and a second debris tray positioned below the shaker belt, asshown in FIG. 32. The debris trays also serve to enclose the shakerplenum 345 from below, and so limits the size of the shaker plenum tomaximize the velocity of the airstream 92 or air flow, and maximize theefficiency and effectiveness of the harvester pollution control device310.

For the generation of the airstream 92 within this alternative harvester21, the harvester fan 275 is employed, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.Preferably, the harvester fan is a standard, industrial quality, highvolume blower. The optimum fan size and power would be readilyselectable by a person skilled in fan and fan motor selection. Theblower is preferably selected to generate sufficient air flow todislodge the debris 29 from the shaker conveyor 330, and to maintain areasonably air velocity within the shaker plenum 345. A most preferredharvester fan for this embodiment is a model “909,” which is a 15.63inch diameter industrial radial blade fan (paddle wheel), whichgenerates approximately 3,000 CFM, at 10 inches w.g. of static, 2500 RPMand 12.19 BHP, as manufactured by Twin City Fan & Blower Co. ofMinneapolis, Minn., U.S.A.

The harvester fan 275 or simply the “fan” is preferably positioned asshown in FIGS. 32 and 34. The fan includes a “supply side,” referred toherein as the harvester fan supply 301, and a “suction side,” referredto herein as the harvester fan return 302, as shown in FIG. 33. A shakersuction duct 351 connects to the shaker plenum 345 at a shaker suctionoutlet 354, which is preferably located in the shaker cover 346 of theshaker plenum 345, as shown in FIG. 32. The shaker suction duct routsfrom the shaker suction outlet to the suction side of the fan, at theharvester fan return. The shaker suction duct pulls a shaker suctionairstream 353 from the separation plenum.

Preferably, the shaker conveyor 330 is substantially horizontal, with aslight upward tilt from the harvesting conveyor 268. In contrast, theharvesting conveyor has a significant tilt of approximately 30 to 45degrees upward from horizontal. Therefore, the shaker flights 337 of theshaker conveyor need only to be in the range of approximately 1 to 3inches in height, while the conveyor flights of the harvesting conveyorfunction best at approximately 4 to 6 inches in height. Like theconveyor belt 278 of the harvesting conveyor, the shaker belt 336 ispreferably an open, metal mesh, sized to retain the almonds 22 on theshaker belt. Like the conveyor belt, the shaker belt is also sized andconfigured to provide strength, while allowing air to flow up throughit, and allow debris 29, especially the harvester fallout material 311,to drop down through of it.

Similar in purpose to the uptake plenum 90, the separation plenum 120,and the conveyor plenum 282, described in reference to alternativeembodiments herein, the shaker plenum 345 is much smaller than theplenums of prior nut uptake and collecting devices. The relatively smallshaker plenum provides for the controlled and high velocity airstream 92directed through the shaker plenum. With the shaker plenum having anapproximately uniform cross-section along its entire length, the shakersuction airstream 353 is substantially homogenous and constantthroughout the shaker plenum. A strong and consistent suction isattained throughout the shaker plenum with a minimum of total air flow.Again, this provides for an operational economy by reducing therequisite size and power of the harvester fan 275, and by reducing theair filtration necessary to remove the debris 29, from the separationsection 105 of the harvester 21, especially the dusts and leaves thatwere removed from the processed stream 80 and entrained by the shakersuction airstream.

As shown in FIG. 34, the finer debris 29, especially dusts and fines196, such as gravel and granules of dirt, drops through the shaker belt336 of the shaker conveyor 330, creating the harvester fallout material311. This particulate fraction of the debris, termed “fallout,” relievesthe need to pull additional suction, required to lift heavier,aerodynamic materials from the debris, which would be required if thisheavier fallout material was retained on, instead of allowed to passthrough the shaker belt. The harvester fallout material is deposited tothe ground surface 25, as also shown in FIG. 34.

The shaker suction airstream 353 is pulled from the shaker plenum 345and routed to the harvester fan return 302. Preferably, for thisalternative embodiment of the harvester, the harvester fan return can bepulled through the harvester pollution control device 310. Mostpreferably, for the harvester 21 of the present invention, the harvesterpollution control device is a cyclonic settling chamber 370, configuredas shown in FIGS. 32 through 34. The cyclonic settling chamber includesthe cyclone air inlet 312, the cyclone air outlet 313, and the harvesterdropout 314. As an alternative, any pollution control device known tothose skilled in the removal of particulate from the airstream 92 couldbe employed. The settling chamber in this alternative, is mostpreferably of a conventional, single chamber cyclonic configuration, foruse at slightly negative pressures. The settling chamber could includebaffles, multiple cyclones, filters or any such mechanisms forentraining, knocking out, or settling out debris 29, carried by thesupply air stream into the conditioner pollution control device. Theparticulate debris that settles out of the conditioner pollution controldevice, exits from the dropout as a harvester dropout material 315.

The harvester pollution control device 310, which specifically thecyclonic settling chamber 370, receives the shaker suction airstream 353and generates a cleaned shaker airstream 336. The cleaned shakerairstream exits the cyclone air outlet 313 and enters the harvester fan275 in the harvester fan return 302. The harvester fan generates theshaker supply airstream 356, which is routed back to the shaker plenum345, as detailed in FIG. 33. Instead of discharging this cleanedairstream to the atmosphere, as typical of prior devices, the cleanedshaker supply airstream is re-used by the harvester 21. Again, in apreferred embodiment of the harvester, two shaker supply air ducts 307are utilized, one routed from each of two cyclonic settling chamber andharvester fan combinations, as shown in FIG. 32.

As shown in FIGS. 30, and 32 through 34, a cyclone rotary valve 372, ispreferably employed to meter the flow of the harvester dropout material315, from the harvester dropout 313 of the cyclonic settling chamber370, as shown in FIG. 32. The cyclone rotary valve also acts as anairlock to prevent the introduction of air into the shaker plenum. Thecyclone rotary valve is a standard mechanism, typically utilized for thecontrolled and substantially airtight withdrawal of a fine material fromhoppers, cyclones or similar devices.

The shaker air supply duct 307 connects to the separation plenum 120 atthe shaker inlet 371, which is preferably located on the sidewall of theshaker plenum, as shown in FIG. 32. The shaker suction duct 351 thenpulls the shaker suction airstream 353 from the shaker plenum at theshaker suction outlet 354, preferably pulling the airstream 92 throughthe shaker belt 336 of the shaker conveyor 330, as shown in FIG. 32.

As also shown in FIG. 34, the almonds 22 are retained on the shaker belt336 up to the shaker discharge end 333. The almonds are then depositedinto the transport bin 320. The lower shaker belt portion 339 of theshaker belt serves to level the almonds within the transport bin, andpush the almonds back toward the shaker feed end 331. Alternatively, theshaker belt may include conventional “chains” or links attached to theshaker belt that abut side-to-side in an echelon, to form the individual“flights,” as also discussed herein.

The almonds 22 are preferably retained within the transport bin 320 ofthe harvester 21 until the transport bin is full and ready to be emptiedby action of the loadout conveyor 321. As shown in FIG. 14, the almondsare preferably deposited into a bin cart 350, which follows theharvester and shuttles the almonds to a larger transport, or to awarehouse for storage or further processing.

In compliance with the statutes, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural features and processsteps. While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in differentforms, the specification illustrates preferred embodiments of theinvention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to beconsidered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, andthe disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the particularembodiments described. Those with ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that other embodiments and variations of the invention arepossible, which employ the same inventive concepts as described above.Therefore, the invention is not to be limited except by the followingclaims, as appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A method for cleaning and conditioning a harvested produce with amobile apparatus, the method including the steps of: a) collecting theharvested produce with an uptake section, the uptake section includingan infeed scoop and an uptake conveyor, the infeed scoop maintained at aclose proximity to a ground surface, the harvested produce lying on theground surface in a scattered covering, the scattered covering includingthe harvested produce, and the scattered covering additionally includinga debris; b) gathering, the scattered covering into the uptake conveyor;c) depositing the scattered covering onto a separation conveyor; d)enclosing the separation conveyor within a plenum, the separationconveyor including a discharge end and a separation belt, and theseparation belt including a mesh; e) directing a suction airstream toflow through the separation belt; f) removing the debris from theseparation belt with the suction airstream; g) retaining the harvestedproduce on the separation belt; h) generating a supply airstream with afan, the fan having a supply side and a suction side; i) routing an airreturn duct to the suction side of the fan, the air return ductconnected to the plenum at a plenum outlet; j) pulling the suctionairstream from the plenum with the air return duct; k) routing an airsupply duct from the supply side of the fan, the air supply ductconnected to the plenum at a plenum inlet; and l) supplying the supplyairstream to the plenum with the air supply duct.
 2. The method of claim1, including the additional step of: m) gathering the debris removedfrom the separation belt into a dropout.
 3. The method of claim 1,including the additional step of: m) removing the debris settled out ofthe plenum.
 4. The method of claim 1, including the additional step of:m) discharging a cleaned product from the discharge end of theseparation conveyor, the cleaned product including the harvestedproduce.
 5. A method for cleaning and conditioning a harvested producewith a mobile apparatus, the method including the steps of: a)collecting the harvested produce with an uptake section, the uptakesection including an uptake conveyor, the harvested produce lying on aground surface in a scattered covering, the scattered covering includingthe harvested produce, and the scattered covering additionally includinga debris; b) gathering, the scattered covering into the uptake conveyor;c) depositing the scattered covering onto a separation conveyor; d)enclosing the separation conveyor within a plenum, the separationconveyor including a discharge end and a separation belt, and theseparation belt including a mesh; e) directing an airstream to flowthrough the separation belt; f) removing the debris from the separationbelt with the airstream; g) retaining the harvested produce on theseparation belt; h) generating the airstream with a fan, the fan havinga supply side and a suction side; i) routing an air return duct to thesuction side of the fan, the air return duct connected to the plenum ata plenum outlet; j) pulling the airstream from the plenum with the airreturn duct; k) routing an air supply duct from the supply side of thefan, the air supply duct connected to the plenum at a plenum inlet; andl) recirculating the airstream to the plenum with the air supply duct.6. The method of claim 5, including the additional step of: m) gatheringthe debris removed from the separation belt into a dropout.
 7. Themethod of claim 5, including the additional step of: m) removing thedebris settled out of the plenum.
 8. The method of claim 5, includingthe additional step of: m) discharging a cleaned product from thedischarge end of the separation conveyor, the cleaned product includingthe harvested produce.